Hot and stormy start to the week for Chicago
Chicago is bracing for severe weather this week, as temperatures soar to 90°F (32°C) and a series of strong thunderstorms are expected to sweep through the area. According to NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman, Tuesday brought steamy, muggy conditions with a “feels like” temperature climbing into the mid 90s°F (mid 30s°C), fueled by high humidity levels and an air quality alert in effect across parts of northern Indiana due to elevated ozone levels.
By Tuesday afternoon, storm chances increase, especially in counties west of the city, with winds up to 40 mph (64 km/h) and small hail possible. While the northern and western suburbs of Chicago are under a marginal risk (level 1 of 5) for severe weather, southern areas may remain mostly dry through the evening.
Severe weather intensifies Wednesday afternoon
Wednesday marks the arrival of stronger storms as a cold front pushes through the Chicago metropolitan area, bringing a “slight” risk (level 2 of 5) of severe thunderstorms starting mid-afternoon around 3 p.m. The main threats include damaging wind gusts, heavy downpours, small hail, and even the possibility of a brief tornado.
Alicia Roman emphasized the need to monitor conditions closely, saying, “We’ll have to watch that,” in reference to the developing severe weather outlook. Overnight, additional storm clusters could emerge, creating the potential for localized flooding due to torrential rainfall.
Slight relief Thursday, but storms may linger
Thursday may offer slight temperature relief, with highs dipping into the low 80s°F (around 27°C), but storm activity may persist into the afternoon and evening, especially across southeast Wisconsin and areas of northeast Illinois near the border. These isolated storms may be strong, though not as widespread or intense as Wednesday’s potential severe events.
Hot and humid weekend ahead
The weekend forecast for Saturday and Sunday promises the return of sweltering heat, with highs climbing into the low to mid 90s°F (32–35°C). Humidity will once again play a key role, pushing “feels like” temperatures toward 100°F (38°C).
Summer officially begins on Friday, but for Chicagoans, the heat and thunderstorms have already made their arrival unmistakably clear.
